If you’re a music teacher, there’s no doubt that you’re up to your head in extracurricular activities. You might run glee clubs, jazz bands, marching/pep bands, chamber ensembles… the list goes on and on.
Even though I have been only teaching for a short time, I realize one of the most effective things I can do to extend the influence of my music program is to be involved in the community in non-musical ways. The possibilities are pretty limitless for before and after school clubs. I think the most important factor is that the club involves a population of your school that you do not interact with on a regular basis.
I’ll admit I was never much of an athlete; coaching a sport or even an intramural isn’t really up my alley. But I do have quite a bit of experience in technology, so this year I’ll be starting a technology club (and possibly morphing it into a full movie production club- involving directors, writers, actors, and editors). I work with Student Leadership (like student council) and I would love to find a great niche for ELL students.
Great, Dan! You’re a second year teacher with no family and too much free time!
I know I certainly have the advantage of time. But I think it’s important that teachers commit some small portion of time to becoming a mentor and interacting with students outside of their curricular area, even if their own curricular area is rich with extracurricular opportunities. Building these relationships is crucial for the morale of a school and in encouraging a general love of learning. And for the doubters in the crowd, it can even help expand your program!
My friend and colleague Andrew Beard spent time coaching boy’s basketball while being a full-time choir teacher at a middle school this past year. Can you imagine the impact that this has on students? On recruiting for Men’s Choir?
I’m spending time on Carl Ben’s School Improvement Committee. One of our goals this year is to enhance the sense of community within our school; what better way to do this than have teachers in different curricular areas form extra opportunities from students all across the school?
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I feel very fortunate because in addition to the two bands I have, I also get to teach World Drumming, Piano Class, and Music Appreciation. Most of the students in these classes are not in my band program. So I will have ample opportunity to connect with students outside of my ensembles.
In addition, I do have hopes to connect with even more of the student body by advising other non-musical activities. I will definitely try to be as involved as possible in areas outside of my department.
I’m glad you get those opportunities for your teaching load, Neal. It’s kind of sad when we only interact with marching band and jazz band students, who, as a prerequisite, have to already be in the band program. Diversifying musical and non-musical opportunities seems like a good idea for balance and becoming a member of the larger community.